Features

Torch light procession in Lourdes

For those in the Clifton Diocese who are unable to accompany the pilgrims, there will be regular podcasts and pictures on the diocese website so everyone can feel that they are part of the pilgrimage. 

Bishop Declan said: "This is a special year for people who regard Lourdes as a place of prayer and spiritual nourishment." 

"I hope that people who cannot be with us in Lourdes will find the pictures and podcasts a way to share in the special celebrations for this 150th year." 

"Of course it’s not just Catholics that look to Lourdes as a place of prayer, healing and hope; many other Christians also go on pilgrimage there."

Lourdes Grotto

The pilgrimage takes place from Friday, 22 August to Friday, 29 August.

2008 is the 150th anniversary of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to 14 year-old Bernadette Soubirous, now Saint Bernadette.

Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate the anniversary of the apparitions when he visits Lourdes in early September.

Throughout the year a series of podcasts entitled Lourdes Lives has been published weekly by the Clifton Diocese on its website, where local people who have visited Lourdes talk about their experiences.